What's Nearby?

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Old stone walls crisscross the property while ancient maples shade the house in the summer and provide a private color show in the fall. The Jonathan Foote 1778 House blends the history and elegance of an historic home with the comfort and amenities that today's traveler appreciates. Lovingly furnished with antiques and art collected by the owners, the Inn invites you to relax in comfortable elegance while enjoying the natural beauty and culture of the Berkshires.

An imposing stone hearth complete with beehive oven welcomes you to the Great Room. Relax by the fire after a day of skiing or exploring the surrounding towns and countryside. Chat with new friends and enjoy some favorite music. Choose a book from our library and spend the afternoon reading in a quiet corner, or just sit and relax while enjoying some homemade cookies. A library of CD's are on hand for your listening enjoyment in the the Great Room or the comfort of your own room.

During the colder months, the Parlor is where we serve our generous homemade breakfast between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. each day. Follow the aroma of our freshly ground coffee to the parlor and sit down to enjoy seasonal fruits, homemade coffee cakes and muffins, and delicious entrees such as Dill Havarti Eggs or blueberry pancakes. The parlor is also where you will find a refrigerator for guest use, stocked with carafs of filtered water and ice, wine glasses, corkscrews, chocolates and homemade treats for your enjoyment.

At the Jonathan Foote House we pride ourselves on using natural, locally grown products and food whenever possible, purchasing our eggs, dairy products and maple syrup from local sources. Additionally, we shop at our local farmers markets for seasonal fruit and produce.

During the summer months enjoy breakfast served on fine linens and china on our covered porch, surrounded by flowers and greenery. In the afternoon relax on benches under the canopy of two hundred year old trees on our grounds or in the shade of our porch. Read or just enjoy the tranquility of the Inn while treating yourself to one our fresh homemade delicacies such as brownies, oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies or chocolate cupcakes.

Insider's Info

Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Bruce and JoAnn for sharing their own secrets with BBOnline.com!

Why do most travelers stay at your inn?

The Berkshires are known for their natural beauty as well as culture. Many guest stay for a combination of things---the culture: Tanglewood (summer home of the Boston Symphony), the many theatres and live music venues (Dance, Shakespeare, plays,) art museums—Norman Rockwell, the Clark, MassMoca (modern) or to hike the many trails, bike and visit the historic venues-Mission House, etc. There are numerous activities, events, etc. each day.

What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn?

If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit?

Hard to say just one—but Tanglewood, Shakespeare and Co. and Jacob’s Pillow (dance) are all big draws.

What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn?

How beautiful and comfortable it is.

What’s the best kept secret about the area?

How much there is to do—and how beautiful it is.

If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area?

We have a three night minimum in high season on weekends—many folks stay longer (4 days to a week—and have no problem keeping busy. The hard part is deciding which venue to pick).

Is there anything within walking distance of your inn?

Depending upon the age, and shape the guest is inn, they can walk to hiking trails on October Mt. about 1.5 miles down the street, or downtown Lee where there are shops and restaurant (1 mile or so. It is hilly here and some folks are not quite use to the hills.

What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area?

There are numerous restaurants—all types. We recommend many, including Mazzeos (Italian), Chez Nous (French Bistro), Alta, and for an old fashion atmosphere, Morgan House. Also Bombay for Indian food.

Area Information

The Jonathan Foote 1778 House, conveniently located near Stockbridge and Lenox in the wonderfully restored town of Lee, is central to all Berkshire activities. Lee has an interesting mix of restaurants and shops, and for serious shoppers the Prime Outlets are just two minutes away.

October Mountain State Forest is just up the street, where you can even go hiking with llamas as your backpack companions. We will gladly provide information, including trail books on hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. On the other side of town is beautiful Laurel Lake Beach, which is available to guests in the warmer months. Enjoy golf right in Lee at the Donald Ross designed Greenock Country Club just five minutes from the Inn. Other country clubs and golf courses in nearby Lenox and Pittsfield offer many choices for guests to enjoy on a fine Berkshire morning.

Most major Berkshire attractions are just minutes away:

Tanglewood summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Major summer theaters, such as the Berkshire Theater Festival

Barrington Stage

Berkshire Opera

Renowned dance groups at Jacob's Pillow

Mass MoCA

Norman Rockwell Museum

Clark Art Museum

Shakespeare and Co. at Edith Wharton's: The Mount

Historic sites, such as the Hancock Shaker Village

Arrowhead

Chesterwood

Plus so much more

In the fall, you can enjoy the picture post card scenery right from the Inn’s large porch or sit and daydream under the canopy of our majestic trees. For those wishing to explore the area you can hike and bike the many country roads or explore October Mountain State Forest. For the winter months, there are groomed cross country ski trails and snowshoeing available near the Inn at Notchview in Winsor, Canterbury Farm in Becket and Hilltop Orchards in Richmond. For downhill skiing and snowboarding there are Butternut and Catamount ski areas just to the south, and Bousquet, Jiminy Peak to the north. Enjoy the winter views and head back to the Inn for a cozy fire. The Jonathan Foote 1778 House is truly a year round getaway.